Whatcom drug task force investigation yields 3.5 pounds of fentanyl and another arrest

Whatcom County law enforcement is celebrating a major win in the battle against fentanyl after announcing a significant arrest in a news release issued Thursday, Sept. 26 from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities arrested Jamie Lopez Laz Cano, 28, after serving a search warrant in the 4900 block of Guide Meridian on Wednesday.

A thorough search of the property yielded approximately 3.5 pounds (1,588 grams) of suspected fentanyl powder, believed to be intended for resale, according to the Sheriff’s Department. A Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team recently certified in Fentanyl detection helped locate the drugs. Detectives also seized a large quantity of money remittance receipts.

The search warrant was part of a local investigation of a Mexico-based Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) operating in Whatcom County, and Wednesday’s arrest is related to five others announced in August, according to the release. Authorities suspect the organization is using local stash locations and couriers to distribute fentanyl throughout the area.

Lopez Laz Cano was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on charges of delivery of a controlled substance–fentanyl, possession with intent to deliver–fentanyl, and money laundering, all felonies.

The investigation is being conducted by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Bellingham Resident Office. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bellingham Police Department also assisted.

“Our joint efforts with local, state and federal agencies have successfully disrupted a major fentanyl trafficking operation,” Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley said in the release. “This achievement underscores our unwavering continued commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and ensuring the safety of our communities.”